Were you a young teenager in the 70s? Do you recognise this book?

[scampadoodle]

I read this when I was about 12 (1977ish) but I don't know when it was originally published. It was American, about this really happy, close-knit family. One thing that happens is that one of the daughters is in a bad mood & takes her sister's(?) bike without asking but there's something wrong with it & she has a bad accident, ending up in hospital.

Does this ring any bells with anyone?

TIA

I'm not sure if this is the book, as it's not American, but in 'Gemma and Sisters' by Noel Streatfeild, Lydia Robinson borrows her sister Ann's bicycle without permission and has a collision with a car, ending up in hospital with a hip injury. The book was first published in 1968, and in paperback by Fontana in 1973.

It's not What Katy Did is it? That would be Edwardian but doesn't Katy have an awful accident???? Bit fuzzy about it now.

No, it's not the Noel Streatfields because I read those too & loved them. It was definitely American - New England or Connecticut or somewhere & it was modern - I also read the Katy books!

I'm never going to find it, am I?!

That plot is ringing very faint bells - but not enough to let me identify it.

Of course, as soon as someone says the title, I will recognise it immediately.

I am desperately trying to think of girls as a character in a book.

What about Ann of Greengables?

No, it was modern, or at least 1960s/70s. They were a lovely, close family (very unlike my own!), liberal...aargh! Why can't I remember?!

It's not this is it?
It's a boy who is hit by the car, but the rest fits...

Good guess Mary, but no...

I found it! Had a sudden flash that it was 'Meet the..." something, so searched on Amazon & double-checked on Wikipedia. It's 'Meet the Austins' by Madeleine L'Engle, published in 1960. I'll check in the local library but they've got it for pennies used on Amazon.

Ain't t'Internet a wonderful thing!

I used to love Madeleine L'Engle books, especially a Wrinkle in Time. I haven't read that one though.

Glad you have found it.

Unfortunately I have never heard of it , but it did give me some happy memories looking for it!